The broadcast digital TV transition could happen in two weeks, or it could get delayed for another four months. In either case, one of the reasons behind the current DTV mess has been difficulty with the converter box coupon program. Retrevo aims to solve that little dilemma with a new coupon exchange program on its site. Having trouble getting your ticket for $40 off an digital-to-analog converter box? Lost your coupon? Left that card lying around past its expiration date? No worries. Visit Retrevo’s DTV page and click the big red “I Need” button. Retrevo will then hook you up with someone who has an extra coupon and arrange delivery. Conversely, if you have an extra coupon, visit the site and click on the big red “I Have” button and perform your mitzvah of the day.
In case you haven’t visited Retrevo before, it’s a great search engine for finding CE specs, reviews, and deals. If you’ve got any money in the bank, now is a great time to scour the bargains on the Retrevo site and pick up an essential gadget or too.
This seems like a great idea. I had an extra card that I had no use for. Instead of getting it back into the system, it ended up in the trash and those funds locked up for 90 days. However, the problem is the demographic most caught off guard by the digital switch probably wouldn’t find or utilize an Internet marketplace.
i let my two coupons expire. i read that the value of expired coupons goes back into the system, and if that happens you are supposed to re-apply on the gov’t site. so i see this as being pretty useless if your cards are expired, but otherwise could be handy
Dave, good point about the recipient demo. We are reaching to these people most in need using local avenues as well, not just relying on the Internet. Of course, our research indicates that donors are pretty Internet savvy in general.
I had an idea where you could go up and down your block (or building or country road) and check in with old folks to see if they were squared away. Those that aren’t you could offer to get the box for them and install it. It’d be good for tech-minded folks to get out and do something that’d be good for the community.
I was in a unique position to help one person by mailing them a coupon and I helped an older neighbor with a converter box I acquired somewhere along the way. Long story short, I’m with Big John.
This entire process is begging for a grass roots effort and the Retrevo system might be a means for some good-intentioned techies to have access to the tools to help.
I heard an NPR report that the vouchers are non-transferrable, thus illegal to swap. But swapping them was the suggestion of the FCC official interviewed. The reporter got him to admit he was kinda advocating doing something illegal.
Another indication of just how poorly this was handled.
From https://www.dtv2009.gov/FAQ.aspx
While it is illegal to sell coupons, giving a coupon for free to a family member, friend, or neighbor is not prohibited under Program regulations.
These DTV Coupons are useless. No dealer will accept the Coupon unless the price is raised to $60.00 Just take a look at Ebay to see the madness. The exact same boxes (New in Box-sealed w/warranty) are selling for less than $20.00 unless you want to use your Coupon. Then the cost is $60.00
Why does media ignore this failure?? Are they complicit?
Why does the media refuse to cover this story. Namely the DTV coupon program is a total failure. If you want to use the coupon the price is $60.00 minimum. For cash, the price is $20.00 or less. It cost more to use the coupon. Why is the media ignoring this issue? Just look at Ebay to witness the madness.